The financial aid season for the 2025-26 school year is officially here! The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is now open, and if your student is applying for college, completing this form is a crucial first step in securing financial aid. Additionally, the CSS Profile, which is used by many colleges for institutional aid, is also available. Filing early can make a significant difference, so let’s dive into what you need to know to get started.

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The FAFSA is the foundation of most financial aid packages, determining eligibility for federal aid like grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Many colleges also use FAFSA data to award institutional scholarships and need-based aid.

The FAFSA for the 2025-26 school year is now open, so don’t wait to get started. Submitting your FAFSA as soon as possible increases your chances of receiving aid, as some funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

How to Get Started with the FAFSA

• Create an FSA ID 🔑:
  Both the student and one parent need FSA IDs to access and sign the FAFSA. Create yours at fsaid.ed.gov.

• Gather Required Documents 📂:
  You’ll need the following information to complete the FAFSA:

  • Social Security numbers for the student and parent(s)

  • Federal income tax returns and W-2s from 2023

  • Bank statements and records of investments

  • Information about untaxed income (if applicable)

• Submit Your FAFSA ✅:

  • The student will start the FAFSA and invite a parent as a contributor to add their information.

  • Visit studentaid.gov to begin the application.

CSS Profile: Unlock Additional Aid Opportunities

While the FAFSA is the most common financial aid form, some colleges also require the CSS Profile to award institutional aid, such as grants and scholarships offered by the school.

The CSS Profile for the 2025-26 academic year is also now available.

How to Start the CSS Profile

1. Use Your College Board Account 🎓:
   The CSS Profile is completed through the College Board, the same platform your student may have used for the SAT or AP exams. Log in or create an account at cssprofile.collegeboard.org.

2. Check Your Colleges’ Requirements 🏫:
   Not all schools require the CSS Profile. Check the list of participating institutions here to see if your student’s colleges are included.

3. Gather Financial Information 💰:
   Like the FAFSA, the CSS Profile requires detailed financial data from the student and parent(s), so have tax and income documents ready.

Helpful Tips for Financial Aid Success

• File Early ⏳: Submitting the FAFSA and CSS Profile early increases your chances of receiving aid. Some funds, like state grants and certain scholarships, are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Submit Even If You Don’t Think You Qualify 🛡️: Filing the FAFSA is like an insurance policy—if your financial situation changes unexpectedly, having it on file makes it easier for colleges to adjust your aid package to meet your needs.

• Track Deadlines 📅: FAFSA and CSS Profile deadlines vary by college and state. Regularly check your student’s applicant portals to ensure all forms are submitted on time.

• Review for Accuracy 🧐: Mistakes in Social Security numbers, income data, or other key fields can cause delays. Always double-check entries before submitting.

• Complete All Signatures ✍️: Don’t forget to electronically sign the FAFSA with both the student’s and parent’s FSA IDs. Without signatures, the application won’t be processed.

• Stay Organized 📋: Keep a checklist of required forms and documents for each college to stay on top of their unique financial aid requirements.

Start your financial aid journey today to secure the resources your student needs for college success!

• Begin the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

• Access the CSS Profile at cssprofile.collegeboard.org.